Cognizant Announces Fresh Engineering Graduates Can Earn Up to ₹12 Lakh Per Annum

Bengaluru: IT giant Cognizant has faced criticism following the revelation of a ₹2.52 lakh annual salary for fresh graduates. However, the company has clarified that this figure pertains to non-engineering graduates with three-year degrees.

To address the growing controversy, Cognizant emphasised that fresh engineering graduates can expect to earn between ₹4 lakh and ₹12 lakh per annum. The exact salary depends on factors such as the hiring category, specific skills, and certifications.

Surya Gummadi, President of Cognizant Americas, explained that the company recruits graduates from various disciplines, including engineering, science, arts, and commerce. While engineering graduates are directly placed in IT roles, non-engineering graduates undergo training before being assigned to suitable positions.

Cognizant employs a total of 3.36 lakh people globally, with a significant portion (70%) of its workforce based in India. The company has defended its salary structure for engineering graduates, asserting that it is competitive within the IT industry.

Despite the clarification, the initial announcement sparked widespread debate on social media, with many expressing concerns about the salary disparity and the overall job market for fresh graduates.